This page mainly applies to England and Wales. Scotland and Northern Ireland may have different rules — check the jurisdiction before relying on this information.
Last amended by Defence Reform Act 2014 in 2014. Extended employer notification and consultation requirements and improved financial assistance for employers of reservists.
Independent editorial summary — not the official statute text. Read the official version on legislation.gov.uk.
Summary
The Reserve Forces Act 1996 consolidated legislation on reserve forces (Territorial Army, Royal Naval Reserve, Royal Air Force Reserve, and others). It sets out reserve liability, call-out powers, training obligations, and protections for reservists' civilian employment.
Key Points
- Defines the various reserve forces and their composition (Part I)
- Establishes reserve liability to be called out for permanent service (Part IV)
- Provides for call-out orders by Her Majesty or Secretary of State (Part V)
- Protects reservists' civilian employment and provides reinstatement rights (Part VII)
- Creates offence of failure to attend training or report when called out
Parts & Sections
Amendments History
2014 — Defence Reform Act 2014
Extended employer notification and consultation requirements and improved financial assistance for employers of reservists.